My name is Neel Kanamangala, and I am eleven years old. I am in the sixth grade, and currently reside in Plano, Texas. I have an interest in science, swimming, and writing. I hope to continue to write throughout my life.

Describe your piece that was published in Dancing With The Pen II.

My piece "Technology Every Day" is a poem that shows how deeply technology influences our lives in the short amount of time that we’ve had access to it. I got the idea from a Microsoft writing contest that Dallas pointed me towards. Although I was too young to enter the contest, Dallas encouraged me to continue working on the piece, and I finished with a product that I am happy about.

Have you been writing for a long time? What do you like about writing?

I have been writing for approximately one and a half years. I really enjoy the immersive experience that writing, and literature in general, has to offer. It prompts you to concentrate on creating your masterpiece.What does it mean to you to have your piece included in this book?

I was really excited to receive news of my poem’s acceptance to the book. I thought of this book as a great way to get feedback, and expand my writing career. I did in fact celebrate by going out to Olive Garden with my parents and brother.

Do you have any advice for other writers, or for other young people going after their dreams?

If you want to get better at writing, I think that you should definitely ask for feedback from peers or teachers. Also, I would throw variety into my routine. For example, I may write a few poems, and then write a essay or story. If you want to follow your dreams, make sure that you are constantly making progress. Never procrastinate or give up. You should always be proactive and persistent.

Can you share a few of your favorite books or authors?

My favorite authors have to be J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan. I absolutely adore the Harry Potter series and the Percy Jackson series. My favorite books are probably The Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling, and Fallout by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the overachievers of the world. All the great athletes, physical or mental, provide me with a sense of reason and hope. I always try to work just as hard as those people to achieve my goals.

What are you working on now? What’s next for you?

I am currently working on another rhyming poem about friendship. It is specifically about my best friend, my dear brother. After I finish that, I plan on composing a short story about ancient mythology, most likely Norse.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to share a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” I feel that this is true because you have to take responsibility for your actions and your dreams to actually make the world change to be a better place.

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Neel Kanamangala is eleven years old and just finished the sixth grade. He spends his free time playing games, reading and swimming.